Who Will Inherit Gene Hackman’s Multi-Million Dollar Fortune? – New Details Emerge

Gene Hackman | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman | Source: Getty Images

Who Will Inherit Gene Hackman’s Multi-Million Dollar Fortune? – New Details Emerge


Gaone Pule


Mar 14, 2025


11:15 A.M.

The actor and his wife had no children together, but he left behind two daughters and a son from a previous marriage. As discussions over his estate unfold, an insider hinted at “trouble brewing” after his passing.

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, had each prepared written wills, both of which have now been made public. It has been revealed that the actor’s children weren’t included as his inheritors, but due to a legal technicality, they may have grounds to contest.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the premiere of "The Chamber" on October 2, 1996, at the Academy Theater in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the premiere of “The Chamber” on October 2, 1996, at the Academy Theater in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Unanswered questions surrounding his estate led to growing speculation. The veteran star, who died at 95, designated his wife, Arakawa, 65,


as the successor trustee


of his $80 million Hollywood fortune.

New details have emerged, confirming that Hackman left his entire estate to his wife, Arakawa. However, legal experts now


suggest


that because she passed away before him, the estate could potentially default to his children under succession laws.

Gene Hackman posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California, in 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman posing for a portrait in Los Angeles, California, in 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Legal documents obtained by the BBC indicate that Hackman last updated his will in 2005, naming Arakawa as his sole beneficiary, but not specifying an alternate inheritor in the event of her passing before him.

Therefore, many legal experts are now debating whether his children— Christopher Hackman, 65, Leslie Hackman, 58, and Elizabeth Hackman, 62 — whom he shared with his former wife, Faye Maltese, could contest the will.

Gene, Betsy, Leslie, and Elizabeth Hackman at the premiere of "The Chamber" in Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

Gene, Betsy, Leslie, and Elizabeth Hackman at the premiere of “The Chamber” in Beverly Hills, California, on October 2, 1996 | Source: Getty Images

California attorney Tre Lovell stated that Hackman’s children could inherit his fortune if no other beneficiary was named,


explaining


, “The estate will actually be probated in accordance with intestate succession laws, and the children would be lawfully next in line to inherit.”

However, they would need to challenge the will, proving it was invalid due to Arakawa’s earlier passing. Trust and family law attorney David A. Esquibias noted that contesting Hackman’s 20-year-old will could become extremely difficult.

Gene Hackman at "The Royal Tenenbaums" premiere in Los Angeles in 2001 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman at “The Royal Tenenbaums” premiere in Los Angeles in 2001 | Source: Getty Images

“In this situation, Gene Hackman and his wife did not sign their will and trust in 2025 or 2024. But, had that been the case, I think there was more likelihood that there’s gonna be a contest. Contesting a 20-year-old document is exponentially harder than contesting a deathbed-signed document,” he

explained

.

This uncertainty, combined with Hackman’s past estrangement from his children, has raised concerns over a possible big fight over the estate’s division.

Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Gene Hackman sighting on Rodeo Drive on March 24, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Gene Hackman sighting on Rodeo Drive on March 24, 1979, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Another legal expert


said


, “If he died first and she [Betsy] had survived, it would’ve been World War III. His kids would’ve probably gone crazy.” Meanwhile, Arakawa’s will placed her assets in a trust, allocating funds for charitable organizations and medical expenses.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards on February 24, 1992, in New York | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the DW Griffith Awards on February 24, 1992, in New York | Source: Getty Images

The Academy Award winner’s estate arrangements involve several other legal intricacies. Attorney Julia Peters has been named executor of both wills.

His estate planning underwent significant changes over the years. Hackman originally established the GeBe Revocable Trust but, in 1994, used his


power of appointment


to designate Arakawa as the successor trustee.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman at the 66th Annual Academy Awards on March 21, 1994, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

This decision took effect on September 22, 1995. At some point, another revision placed Avalon Trust in control. The original trust agreement may be key, as it could have included his children as beneficiaries before the modifications.

Amid questions about the estate’s distribution, Christopher’s decision to hire Andrew M. Katzenstein, a well-regarded California trust and estate attorney, has not gone unnoticed. A source


remarked


, “By hiring Katzenstein, it shows that he [Chris] is definitely trying to protect his interests.”

Leslie and Gene Hackman attend a screening of "Class Action" on Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

Leslie and Gene Hackman attend a screening of “Class Action” on Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images

The insider


added


, “The fact that Chris got a high-powered lawyer indicates to me something is going on. I don’t know why the girls [daughters] are not represented. That tells me that there must be some trouble brewing.”

Any inheritance for Hackman’s children will be managed by Avalon. At the same time, Arakawa’s will allocated the remainder of her estate to a charitable trust, ensuring their philanthropic vision continues.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on January 19, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

The legal arrangements outlined in the wills also address financial obligations and personal belongings. According to the document, “All my legally enforceable debts will be paid as soon as practicable after my death,” the classical pianist’s will


states


.

Regarding personal possessions, Arakawa’s will allows for a separate list detailing the distribution of items such as furniture, jewelry, and artwork, though it remains unclear if such a list was ever created.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 30, 1991, in California. | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mission Hills Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 30, 1991, in California. | Source: Getty Images

The timing of the couple’s deaths played a role in the estate’s distribution. Authorities discovered them in separate rooms of their home on February 26, 2025.

Reports indicated that Arakawa died around February 11 from a rare virus transmitted by mice, while Hackman passed on February 18 due to heart disease. His advanced Alzheimer’s was listed as a contributing factor.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman attend the Thalians Ball honoring Liza Minnelli at the Century Plaza Hotel in California on October 8, 1994 | Source: Getty Images

Under New Mexico law, deaths occurring within 120 hours of each other are classified as simultaneous, which could affect the division of their assets.

However, investigators determined that Hackman survived his wife by seven days, based on pacemaker data, preventing that classification from applying. Legal experts noted that many states, including New Mexico, recognize a five-day survival rule when determining estate succession.

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 29, 1991, in Rancho Mirage, California. | Source: Getty Images

Betsy Arakawa and Gene Hackman during Celebrity Sports Invitational on November 29, 1991, in Rancho Mirage, California. | Source: Getty Images

Estate planning for married couples typically involves leaving assets to one another. However, since these documents remain private, the specific beneficiaries named in Hackman and Arakawa’s wills have not been publicly disclosed.

Attorney John Budagher of Budagher & Tann noted that without access to their estate plans, the details of how their wealth will be distributed remain unknown.

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa attend the Toyota Pro-Celebrity Race in Long Beach, California, on April 4, 1987 | Source: Getty Images

Before their tragic deaths, the couple lived out their final days in their Santa Fe home, where they were eventually discovered.

Situated on a twelve-acre, piñon-covered hilltop just north of the city, the property offers sweeping,


360-degree views


that extend to the Colorado mountains. Hackman developed a deep connection to the area after working on several films there,


describing


it as having “a kind of magic in it.”

Drawn to the landscape, he purchased the home for its location and later enlisted Santa Fe architects Harry Daple and Stephen Samuelson of Studio Arquitectura to help transform it into his ideal retreat.

Alongside their Santa Fe home, Hackman owned a


Montecito estate


that he and his first wife, Maltese, spent over a year restoring. Situated on twenty-five acres, the aging mansion required extensive renovations to bring it back to its former beauty.

For the interior design, they hired Steve Chase, whose work they had admired. His approach focused on maintaining the home’s European elegance while adapting it to a more relaxed and livable space for the family.

Hackman preferred remodeling homes over building them from the ground up, finding satisfaction in transforming existing spaces. He likened the process to his craft.

Gene Hackman's former house pictured on January 31, 2025, in Pebble Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman’s former house pictured on January 31, 2025, in Pebble Beach, California. | Source: Getty Images

Although Hackman found inspiration in his surroundings, his dedication to Hollywood strained his family life. His demanding career played a role in the breakdown of his marriage to Maltese, and during his children’s formative years, he

was often absent.

His son, Christopher, was particularly affected, as Hackman later admitted to losing touch with him during a period when he needed guidance and support.

Gene Hackman pictured with family at Sun Valley on January 1, 1974, in Idaho. | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman pictured with family at Sun Valley on January 1, 1974, in Idaho. | Source: Getty Images

Although he remained somewhat connected to his daughters, Leslie and Elizabeth, who occasionally accompanied him to industry events, he acknowledged the challenges they faced growing up in the shadow of his success.

An undated image of Leslie, Gene, and Elizabeth Hackman attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

An undated image of Leslie, Gene, and Elizabeth Hackman attending a celebrity baseball game in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Hackman’s second marriage in 1991 marked a turning point, as Arakawa encouraged him to rebuild relationships with his kids. She played a role in


bringing the family together


, urging him to welcome them and his grandchildren into their Santa Fe home.

Christopher, Leslie, Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Presidential Premiere of "Superman" on December 10, 1978, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher, Leslie, Elizabeth and Gene Hackman during Presidential Premiere of “Superman” on December 10, 1978, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images

By the end of his life, Hackman had reportedly grown closer to his children and grandchildren. However, despite their improved relationship, he still went extended periods without seeing Leslie, the family member who remained most in contact with both him and Arakawa.



Gene Hackman’s


estate planning, shaped by years of revisions, legal adjustments, and personal reconciliations, remains under scrutiny.

Leslie Hackman and Elizabeth Hackman pictured leaving Denny's on February 27, 2025. in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

Leslie Hackman and Elizabeth Hackman pictured leaving Denny’s on February 27, 2025. in Burbank, California. | Source: Getty Images

Legal complexities, including trust modifications and state inheritance laws, will determine how his assets are ultimately divided. Additionally, it looks like his children will have to decide whether they will contest the document.

Latest developments regarding the late couple’s death comes after several days of updates.


Update: 9 March, 2025

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images

Police disclosed that “loopholes” remain in the ongoing investigation into Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa’s deaths. Officials reportedly gathered key evidence from the couple’s home. According to a search warrant inventory, detectives seized two cellphones among other items.


Update: 8 March, 2025

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa | Source: Getty Images

Dr. Heather Gerald, Chief Medical Examiner for New Mexico, shared the official autopsy results in a press conference on March 8, 2025. Both deaths were classified as natural causes.


Update: 27 February, 2025

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks fight, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa at the Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks fight, Trump Plaza, Atlantic City, June 27, 1988 | Source: Getty Images

The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office announced on their official Facebook page that after conducting examinations on February 27, 2025, investigators found no signs of foul play in the sudden deaths of actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, 63.


Update: 27 February, 2025

Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman in 1970 | Source: Getty Images

Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were found dead in their Santa Fe Summit home on the afternoon of Wednesday, February 26. Authorities have not suspected foul play, but an investigation is ongoing.